Stargazing in Western Australia

03/25/21 • 33 min

Carol Redford is the founder of Astrotourism WA and is passionate about protecting Western Australia's dark night skies. In this episode, she shares with us precious information on what makes Western Australia a world class destination for stargazing and nightscape photography.

Time stamps :

03:58 : Citizen science projects and Carol's Dingle Dell meteorite
11:57 : Have there been any measures implemented in Western Australia to reduce light pollution ?
15:59 : What is the quality of night sky in Western Australia ?
18:24 : Are there any astronomical observatories in Western Australia ?
21:02 : Are there any opportunities for nightscape photography in Western Australia ?
23:05 : Are there any astronomy clubs in Western Australia ?
25:55 : Are there any planetariums in Western Australia ?
27:46 : Are there any opportunities for visitors to do nocturnal nature trails in Western Australia ?
28:55 : Can visitors find dark sky friendly B&Bs in Western Australia ?

Useful Links and Resources :

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Time stamps :

03:58 : Citizen science projects and Carol's Dingle Dell meteorite
11:57 : Have there been any measures implemented in Western Australia to reduce light pollution ?
15:59 : What is the quality of night sky in Western Australia ?
18:24 : Are there any astronomical observatories in Western Australia ?
21:02 : Are there any opportunities for nightscape photography in Western Australia ?
23:05 : Are there any astronomy clubs in Western Australia ?
25:55 : Are there any planetariums in Western Australia ?
27:46 : Are there any opportunities for visitors to do nocturnal nature trails in Western Australia ?
28:55 : Can visitors find dark sky friendly B&Bs in Western Australia ?

Useful Links and Resources :

If you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.

Previous Episode

Hosting Astrotourists

In this episode, I have the pleasure of hosting Bob Mizon, who has battled light pollution for more than thirty years. Bob shares with us the basic principles of responsible lighting. We also cover do's and don'ts for owners of B&Bs in order to make their accommodations attractive for dark sky tourists.

Time stamps :

06:09 : What do owners of dark sky friendly B&Bs need to know about the principles of responsible lighting to host astrotourists ? Could you please elaborate on the measures to be taken for indoor as well as outdoor lighting ?
09:01 : What do I need to keep in mind about street lighting in the vicinity of my property or my neighbour's lighting ?
12:34 : Which changes can I make on my property to welcome astrotourists ?
16:51 : What are the expectations of astrotourists from a dark sky friendly B&B ?
20:10 : What is good stargazing etiquette ?
21:20 : What would be the constituents of a stargazing kit ?
25:24 : In terms of planning a stay for astrotourists, what do I need to consider as a host ?
30:33 : Can I propose a complementary experience to my guests like an evening of stargazing with an amateur astronomer or a nocturnal nature trail ?
33:49 : Could you please share any good resources for aspiring dark sky friendly B&B owners ?

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Next Episode

Northern Lights with Ian Ridpath

Ian Ridpath has been a full-time writer, editor, broadcaster, and lecturer on astronomy and space since 1972. He lectures regularly on Northern Lights expedition cruises to Norway. In this episode, Ian shares with us his knowledge on the causes of Northern Lights, the best time and months to see them, the best places to see them and the process of photographing Northern Lights.

Time Stamps :

03:42 : Why are Northern Lights called Aurora Borealis ?
04:48 : What do Northern Lights look like ? Can Northern Lights be seen with the naked eye ?
06:44 : Can I see the stars and the Milky Way along with the Northern Lights ?
07:34 : Does the presence of the Moon influence observation of Northern Lights ?
08:45 : Why are northern lights green ?
11:13 : What causes the Northern Lights ?
15:12 : Are the Northern Lights dangerous ?
16:20 : When are Northern Lights visible ? Do the Northern Lights happen every night ?
18:50 : Which month is best to see the Northern Lights ?
20:24 : Where are the best places to see the northern lights ?
21:36 : How far south can I see the Northern Lights ?
23:25 : Can Northern Lights be predicted ? How does one forecast Northern Lights ?
25:23 : What is the Kp index with respect to Northern Lights ?
26:31 : Are the Southern Lights like Northern Lights ?
27:58 : Process of photographing the Northern Lights
30:50 : Can I take photographs of the Northern Lights with my smartphone ?

Useful Links and Resources :

If you liked this episode, please consider buying me a coffee.